Ball valves, as commonly used fluid control valves, find extensive applications across industries such as petrochemicals, power generation, metallurgy, and construction. Depending on their structure, ball valves can be categorized into two main types: two-piece and one-piece designs. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between these two types, covering their structures, working principles, characteristics, and suitable applications.
 

1. Structural Comparison

 
The one-piece ball valve features a compact design where the ball is fixed within the valve body by a single stem, facilitating easier maintenance. The ball is inserted from one side of the valve body, and the seat needs to be screwed in and pressed against the ball. In contrast, the two-piece ball valve comprises two separate valve bodies connected by bolts, with the ball clamped between them. This design complexity makes maintenance relatively more challenging, requiring careful adjustment of the screws to ensure proper sealing.
 

2. Working Principle Contrast

 
In one-piece ball valves, the mechanical pressure applied by the stem controls the valve operation, offering simplicity and reliability in operation. On the other hand, the two-piece ball valve relies on rotating the valve core to control fluid flow, emphasizing the accuracy and flexibility of rotational movements.
 

3. Characteristics and Suitable Applications

 
Due to its split-body design, the two-piece ball valve allows for easier maintenance or replacement of the ball and seat without disassembling the entire valve, saving time and costs. Additionally, the replaceable seat extends the valve's service life. Consequently, it is suitable for applications requiring frequent seat replacements or maintenance, such as in chemical, petroleum, and natural gas industries.
 
In contrast, the one-piece ball valve stands out for its simple structure and easy installation, particularly suitable for small-scale applications. With the ball and seat cast as a single unit, it offers good sealing and wear resistance. Moreover, its simple internal structure results in minimal flow resistance, making it suitable for high-flow and high-pressure differential applications, such as in fertilizer production, metallurgy, and power generation.
 

4. Common Features and Applications

 
Despite their differences, both two-piece and one-piece ball valves utilize ball rotation to control fluid flow, offering compact structures and flexible operation. Furthermore, they can be automated using electric or pneumatic actuators for automated control.
 
When selecting ball valves, it is essential to consider specific operating conditions and requirements to choose the most suitable type. In some cases, a combination of different types of ball valves may be employed to achieve optimal control efficiency for complex engineering projects. Therefore, comprehensive understanding of the different types of ball valves and their characteristics is crucial for engineering design and equipment selection.